Grooves rule takes effect for amateurs

USGA golf
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USGA
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By Bill Zimmerman

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

As of Wednesday, all clubs used by competitors in USGA amateur championships and qualifying events must employ grooves that conform to the association's 2010 rule change. The USGA, therefore, also announced resources to help players comply.

USGA representatives are being made available to test clubs or answer questions, the organization wrote on its website. Players can begin at www.usga.org/grooves for more information. From there, they can consult a club database that allows players to check whether their make and model of club has been ruled as conforming. The USGA also plans a page of frequently asked questions about the groove rule.

Golfers competing in "elite amateur events," the USGA said, can take part in the Open Championship Player Club Testing program as well. The association's website also offers information on submitting clubs for testing.

Bill Walbert couldn't make his qualifier for the U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Championship. Luckily, his partner Brent Grant shot 9-under 63 playing his own ball to earn the pair a trip to The Olympic Club next year.

Teen qualifies for U.S. Am Four-Ball without partner

Brent Grant, 18, qualified for the 2015 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Championship without his partner.
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Photo Courtesy of Hawaii State Golf Association
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At Royal Melbourne Golf Club, a handful of Australians are taking advantage of having the Asia-Pacific Amateur move south to their homeland. Two Aussies lead the field, and five more are T-11 or better.